Acid-Base Disorders · Pharmacology

Which laboratory change is expected in compensated metabolic acidosis?

  1. Low bicarbonate and low PaCO2
  2. High bicarbonate and high PaCO2
  3. High bicarbonate and low PaCO2
  4. Normal bicarbonate and high PaCO2
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Correct answer: Low bicarbonate and low PaCO2

In compensated metabolic acidosis, bicarbonate is low due to the primary disturbance. Respiratory compensation lowers PaCO2 through hyperventilation to partially correct pH.

Difficulty: Medium Question 18 of 19

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